NYSPHSAA football quarterfinalists Cazenovia, Maine-Endwell have similar look

When Cazenovia and Maine-Endwell line up for Saturday's NYSPHSAA football quarterfinal they may think they're looking into a mirror.

From the power rushing attacks down to the blue and gold uniforms, there are plenty of similarities between the two programs.

Perhaps the most important similarity is playoff success. Cazenovia (9-1) beat Chittenango Saturday in the Carrier Dome for its second Section III championship in three years. M-E (10-0) has also seen its share of success recently, winning the Class A state title in 2011.

There isn't much to separate the teams in 2012 either. The Spartans are currently the top-ranked Class B team in the state, while the Lakers are No. 5. The teams earned their rankings by lighting up scoreboards around the state while keeping opponents from doing so as well.

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Both teams boast big and quick offensive lines that can open gaping holes and set up big plays. Lakers Patrick Cunningham, Brad Lucas, Cameron Braathen, Matt Staiger and Cody Westfall have opened holes for senior Jake Wilson to run through all season long, including the Class B final. Wilson had touchdown runs of 38, 75 and 81 yards in the victory over the defending regional champion Bears.

The Spartans are no stranger to big plays. Luis Uceta has a 90-yard scoring scamper to his credit, and it came against last year's Section IV champs Chenango Valley. Uceta and four other M-E rushers all average over seven yards per carry for a team that averages a first down every time it runs the ball.

Therein lies one of the biggest differences between Cazenovia and M-E. Wilson has been the Lakers' main runner while the Spartans rely on a five-headed monster on the ground. Coach Matt Gallagher says Uceta, Justin Jacoby, Nick Sorrenti, Darnell Woolfolk or quarterback Kyle Gallagher could all lead the team in rushing on any given day.

The section champions also have quarterbacks who can throw when asked. Kyle Gallagher and Cazenovia quarterback Kevin Hopsicker don't throw often according to Lakers head coach Tom Neidl. When they do, they're effective, he added.

"Their quarterback does a great job doing what he does," said Matt Gallagher. "His brother was on a good team a few years ago. It runs in the family, and that's important."

The Spartans also have a key family connection, with father Matt coaching son Kyle.

Blowout wins have also been a calling card for the quarterfinalists. M-E has scored over 50 points in all but three of its games, and over 40 in all but one. The defense has also been exceptional, holding every opponent under 20 points. The closest game the Spartans played was a 28-7 win over Class AA power Union-Endicott, a game they led from start to finish.

Cazenovia hasn't had quite as large an average victory margin, but it's posted its fair share of blowouts. The Lakers' offense took off in the second half of the season, scoring at least 35 points in each of the last five games. The defense has also been stout, allowing only three opponents to top the 20-point mark. The Lakers' closest games were a 22-20 loss to Class A runner-up Jamesville-DeWitt and a back-and-forth victory over Chittenango in the Class B title game.

"Our kids have had to execute for 48 minutes," said Neidl of the close games. "My hope is to give (M-E) a challenge they haven't seen."

"It should be a great game," said Matt Gallagher. "There's great experience on both sides of the ball for both teams."